On National Signing Day, hundreds of aspiring college football players signed letters of intent to accept scholarships and attend FBS universities. Players come from all different kinds of backgrounds, but all have the same dream of suiting up in a Division I football game. 24-year-old Daniel Rodriguez shares that dream, but few can relate to his remarkable story.

Rodriguez served as an Army infantryman in both Iraq and Afghanistan, including earning a Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart for his heroism in the Battle of Kamdesh - one of the bloodiest battles of the war in Afghanistan.

Upon his return, Rodriguez has worked to achieve a longtime goal and fulfill a promise to a good friend: play college football.

Rodriguez cites that promise to Pfc. Kevin Thomson, who was killed in the Battle of Kamdesh, as one of the inspirations on his quest to play football. He is currently enrolled in community college, striving to meet Division I academic requirements to play football.

Rodriguez, a long-time Hokie fan, has said he wants to play for Virginia Tech.

Rodriguez' story will be told in two parts on Dan Rather Reports, beginning Tuesday night on HDNet. The producer of the profile, T. Sean Herbert, offered an exclusive preview at Yahoo! Sports' The Post Game. I suggest you cruise on over to read Rodriguez's story, which includes descriptions of his heroic acts in the Battle of Kamdesh.

But if you need more convincing, check out the American hero in action as he trains for the gridiron.

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